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DK Metcalf says he was blindsided by Russell Wilson's departure ... saying he never thought his QB would ever leave the Seattle Seahawks.

The star receiver opened up on the blockbuster trade on the "KG Certified" podcast this week ... saying he was told about the potential deal during a Gatorade shoot ... and an hour later, #3 was gone.

"I ain't heard from Pete [Carroll] until later that night and John [Schneider] because they were probably busy with phone calls and everything," Metcalf said.

Of course, Metcalf and Wilson -- who was traded to the Broncos earlier this month in exchange for picks and players -- had great chemistry on the field. Last season, the two connected for 12 touchdowns.

Considering how well they clicked on the field, Metcalf says he didn't see the move coming.

"I never thought he was gonna leave Seattle" ... adding, "I was in just in shock because I didn't think it was gonna happen."

What also hit home for Metcalf -- the release of linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was with the 'Hawks for 10 seasons.

"So, my mind was like 'All right, Russ gone, what do I do?' Later that night, Bobby gets cut ... and me and Bobby -- that was my guy."

"When he left, that hurt," Metcalf added. "That was my big brother."

With all the offseason blows, Metcalf feels he has to step up more than ever ... and become a leader for the Seattle Seahawks.

"It's my time in Seattle, now. That's the way I look at it."

Metcalf was a 2nd-round pick out of the 2019 draft ... and quickly became a star in Seattle with his size and speed. In three seasons, he's logged in 3,170 receiving yards and 29 TDs.

Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen is teeing off on Netflix's popular 'Drive to Survive' series ... saying the show unfairly makes fellow driver Lando Norris look like a "d***."

Many of the sport's biggest names have been critical of the series in recent weeks ... with producers getting called out for starting fake drama and taking comments out of context to stir the pot.

The Red Bull driver has avoided speaking with Netflix cams for several seasons ... and went in-depth this week about why he continues to take issue with the show in the 4th installment of the show.

"For me personally, what I didn't like -- and it isn't even about me -- it's about Lando and Daniel (Ricciardo), which I think are two great guys and are really nice, first of all, and it made it look like Lando was a bit of a d*** ... which he isn't at all," the 2021 champ said this week, according to WTF1.

Verstappen says new F1 fans who watch the show will get the wrong impression of the McLaren driver ... and he thinks that's completely unfair, as he knows Lando to be a good guy.

Verstappen claims the same thing happened to him in the early seasons ... saying, "You just immediately get a wrong picture of a good person, and that is exactly what I think happened to me in the beginning, and then I think I am someone that when you ruin it from the start, you don't fix it. That's it. you ruined it."

MV also spoke about the show with reporters ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Friday ... comparing the show to "Keeping up with the Kardashians" -- and not in a good way.

As for Verstappen's appearances in the show, he says he was surprised to see himself featured so much, considering he's declined interviews for years.

"It's probably stuff from 2018 or something they picked up and used again, [talking about] fighting and what I like to do, but that already, of course, is not correct. I could hear it in my voice. It was a bit different."

Rachel Balkovec -- a Yankees' minor league manager -- showed off her gnarly eye injury she got after being hit in the face with a batted ball at Spring Training.

Balkovec -- who was signed as the Tampa Tarpons' manager in January -- was working out with the team on Tuesday when she was struck in the face.

The injury forced the 34-year-old to miss the team's home opener on Thursday.

Balkovec did go on IG to show off the swollen and bruised left eye she was left with after the freak accident.

"Thanks for all of the messages," Balkovec said, "Just feeling extremely lucky, and also like I’ll never throw side flips again for the rest of eternity 👍🏼"

"This is why you have to life your life in a way that you’re okay leaving it at any moment. Not a minute to waste being, thinking or playing small."

Despite how painful the injury looks, Rachel had a sense of humor about it ... saying, "Well I *DID* have several modeling contracts lined up, but this put a wrench in those plans ;)"

She even tagged several model agencies and Vogue.

Balkovec has been with the Yanks organization for several years ... first as a minor league hitting coach in 2019, before making history and becoming the first female minor league manager -- the position she currently holds.

The rumors were true ... Johnny Manziel ain't done yet, telling TMZ Sports he is suiting up for Fan Controlled Football this season.

As we previously reported, the 29-year-old Heisman Trophy winner was considering a return to the field after his buddy Druski, an Internet superstar, bought ownership in the Shoulda Been Stars team.

We spoke to Manziel himself ... and he said he's "excited" to be back!

"The FCF has given me an opportunity to coach some of these younger guys, a chance to get around the business side, a chance to have ownership in a football league and still be around the game in some sort," Manziel says.

"For me, the FCF is been intriguing in that right because I don't have to do it as a full-time job and it's something different for me than it was in the past."

BTW, Johnny participated in several games of the FCF's inaugural season ... playing for the Zappers.

In fact, in his very first game, Manziel made a highlight play, breaking off an impressive run.

It's not just football Manziel is excited about ... he's looking forward to creating content with Druski.

"This year we have some surprises. A non-football player that I'm looking forward to being around and doing a lot of content with is Druski."

Johnny -- who hasn't played in the NFL since 2015 -- isn't looking to make some crazy comeback ... he just wants to be around the guys, and play some football.

Scary moment in the NHL -- Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden left Thursday night's game on a stretcher ... after colliding into the sideboards following a hit from the Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg.

The incident took place in the first period ... as Forsberg and Howden were both trying to secure the puck, but things went wrong.

In a video of the collision, Forsberg loses balance as he's trying to make a play ... and his momentum carries him into Howden, who then goes headfirst into the wall.

Forsberg's teammates had a front-row seat to see it all unfold ... and their faces told the story of just how scary the wreck was.

Officials did not penalize Filip over the play ... as the whole thing appeared to be unintentional.

Forsberg immediately sprang to his feet to check on Howden ... as players and fans in the arena expressed the same concern.

Emergency personnel managed to get to Howden quickly ... putting the 23-year-old on a stretcher. He was taken to the hospital for further medical treatment.

The good news -- Howden appeared to be responsive following the hit ... raising one of his arms as he left the ice.

He is reportedly in stable condition.

A Michigan high school basketball player -- who is completely blind -- had an arena full of fans cheer at the top of their lungs this week ... after sinking a jump shot during a game.

The star athlete is 17-year-old Jules Hoogland from the Zeeland East High School Unified Sports hoops team ... which consists of 3 special education and 2 general ed. athletes on the court at all times.

We're told the final game of the 2022 campaign was on Tuesday ... and special education teacher/Unified Sports coach Nate Vande Gutche says Hoogland had been working hard to improve her shot all season.

The time and effort paid off during Tuesday's game -- Hoogland lined up in front of the basket as a paraprofessional signals the hoop's location by hitting a long yellow pole on the backboard ... and she banked in the shot!!

The huge crowd shouted and celebrated in support of the shot ... and Vande Gutche says the scene was incredible.

"It was so moving to see her hit that shot again in front of 2,500 people."

"We couldn't have been more excited for her and her family," he added. "It capped off what was a very memorable day for all of us!"

FYI -- The Unified Sports program is part of the Special Olympics ... and this season is Zeeland High's 5th year participating.

"It's a blend of athletes that make it special," Vande Gutche said, "This is a true sports experience just like varsity teams."

"It's a blend of athletes that make it special," VandeGutche said, "This is a true sports experience just like varsity teams."

Cancel the rest of the NBA season ... Warriors superfan G-Eazy thinks it's a foregone conclusion his Golden State squad will win the championship this year, despite its recent struggles.

TMZ Sports spoke with Gerald as he was leaving Musso & Frank in L.A. this week ... and the dude was as confident as ever in his beloved Warriors, even though they've been stumbling as of late.

"We'll be all right, man," said G-Eazy, who's been a die-hard Dubs supporter for years. "We're still going all the way."

Of course, a lot of NBA pundits might disagree ... the Warriors, after all, are just 7-12 since early February, and Steph Curry is currently out with a foot injury.

But, G-Eazy, who's written a bunch of songs in honor of the Warriors, still believes in his guys.

"We're going all the way, absolutely," he said. "That's what we do, man. That's what we do."

The Warriors got off to a red-hot start this season ... but injuries to members of their Big Three -- Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Steph -- have put their championship hopes in question.

Vanessa Bryant did it!

Kobe's widow just announced the Bryant family's longtime partnership with Nike has been renewed ... after Vanessa previously said she was parting ways with the Swoosh over money and shoe availability issues.

The previous contract ended in April 2021 after Vanessa was reportedly looking for a "lifetime" contract, similar to what LeBron James and Michael Jordan have gotten.

But, Thursday Vanessa announced both sides were able to come to an agreement to bring Kobe -- and Gigi -- under the Nike brand once again.

"We're excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband's shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world," Bryant wrote.

And, Vanessa made it clear the deal isn't about financial gain -- it's about continuing to grow Kobe and Gigi's legacy through youth basketball.

"With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike product for years to come and with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF)."

Vanessa continued ... "I am also grateful that Nike and I will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California that will share the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come. I know this is an inspiring moment for my husband and daughter's global fans, and I am very appreciative of each and every one of you!"

The Gigi shoe will reportedly be a custom version of the Kobe 6 Protro, dubbed the "Mambacita Sweet Sixteen."

Russia, in the midst of a horrific war where they've killed innocent civilians, wants to host a major soccer tournament, the European Football Championship, in 2028 or 2032.

Yes, Vladimir Putin isn't going to let the invasion of a sovereign nation and the killing of thousands of people stop them from applying to hold the Euros.

According to the Associated Press, the Russian Football Union announced their intent to play host, with RFU president Alexander Dyukov telling Russian TV ... "We must take the opportunity to host the Euro. It will be at the World Cup stadiums, and we have developed infrastructure."

FYI, Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup.

Even back then many fans weren't happy the country got the most prestigious sporting event in the world. But now, Russia has become pariahs of the world.

In fact, Russia has been shunned by the global soccer community. FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) and UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) decided to ban the country from competing in any international soccer tourneys.

At the time, the organizations released the following statement, saying, "Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both [FIFA & UEFA] presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”

UEFA also relocated the Champions League finals, originally supposed to be played in Russia in February, to Paris.

Russia will be bidding against Turkey and the British Isles ... who also want to host the 2028 European Championship. As for the 2032 bid, Italy is also vying to host the tourney.

Jorge Masvidal is in jail in Florida ... he's been arrested over his alleged attack on Colby Covington.

Jail records, obtained by TMZ Sports, show the 37-year-old UFC star was booked in Miami at 10:27 PM ET on Wednesday, where he posed for a mug shot.

The records show he was booked on two charges -- aggravated battery with a mask, and criminal mischief. His bond has been set at $15,000, the records show.

WPLG Local 10 News shot video of Masvidal as he entered the jail in cuffs. The footage shows he sprinted into the station without taking any questions from reporters.

As we previously reported, Masvidal has been accused of punching Covington twice as his UFC rival was leaving popular restaurant Papi Steak on Monday night.

In police documents, cops say Covington told them Masvidal hit him in the mouth and the eye -- causing him to fracture a tooth.

Cops also say Covington suffered an abrasion on his wrist and a damaged watch.

In video we obtained shortly after the alleged incident, Covington can be heard appearing to describe the attack, saying, "He's over here swinging, trying to come at me, and I ran ..."

Covington has yet to comment publicly on the incident.

Story developing ...

Deshaun Watson is off the hook again, a second grand jury in Texas has declined to charge the new Cleveland Browns QB.

Just days after a grand jury in Harris County, Texas opted not to charge the 26-year-old over allegations that he was sexually inappropriate with female massage therapists, another grand jury in Brazoria County did the same.

According to the district attorney, the grand jury met on Thursday and "declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes."

"Accordingly," the DA added, "this matter is closed."

Watson could still face further charges in other parts of the country, as his alleged victims have accused him of wrongdoing in multiple states.

The new Cleveland signal-caller is also still facing a mountain of civil lawsuits from his accusers.

As we reported, Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns after the Harris County grand jury's decision last week.

Cleveland -- which said it was aware of Thursday's new grand jury hearing -- gave Watson a massive new contract and handed over a bevy of draft picks, including three first-rounders, to the Texans to acquire the QB.

Empower Field at Mile High Stadium -- the home of the Denver Broncos -- caught on fire on Thursday ... and images from the scene are alarming.

No word on what caused the blaze ... but Denver Fire says suite and third-level areas of the stadium seats underneath John Lynch's spot on the Ring of Fame were affected.

Several sections of the stadium were destroyed ... but luckily, DFD says the fire has since been put out, thanks to sprinklers and brave firefighters.

Huge clouds of smoke are filling the Denver skyline ... with several witnesses posting their views of the fire.

Mile High opened in 2001 ... and has hosted Broncos games, concerts and soccer matches. It could become one of the game locations for the 2026 World Cup.

Tyreek Hill was super pissy before facing the media in Miami for the first time ... but it had nothing to do with his mood -- the guy just had to drain the snake!!

The hilarious moment went down right before the superstar receiver was set to be introduced as a member of the Miami Dolphins ... with Hill getting up and heading out of the room right after new teammate Terron Armstead was done talking with reporters.

Less than two minutes later, the All-Pro took the stage and walked to the podium to take questions from the journalists ... even joking about the whole ordeal.

"I feel a whole lot better," Hill said, laughing. "I just didn't wanna be rude. I'm like, 'Yo, I do not know what to do right now, y'all."

When a reporter made a clever remark about how Hill's speed on the field is reflected in the bathroom, the Super Bowl champ reminded everyone about his perfect nickname.

"Quick, baby. Cheetah."

Now, since the dude was back rather quickly, we're assuming it was #1. If it was the other option ... well, let's not go there.

Hill joined the Dolphins this week after shockingly getting traded from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for 5 draft picks.

Breathe easy, Philadelphia Eagles fans ... Jordan Mailata is not bailing on football, even though it seems he could after a surprising 'Masked Singer' gig that started with a very unexpected call.

The star offensive tackle joined "TMZ Live" Thursday to talk about his unmasking on the reality show. He was the one in the 'Thingamabob' costume, and last night he sang 'Classic' by MKTO. While his impressive vocals have been under wraps, Jordan says his teammates already knew about his hidden talent.

In fact, they'd encouraged him to go pro ... but Jordan says it wasn't until he got a call from his agent about doing 'Masked Singer' that it ever became a thought for him.

Now that folks outside the locker room know about Jordan's pipes, JM says he's taking things one step at a time and being realistic about his prospects in the music biz. He added, it's been incredible and humbling to get such wholesome reactions from people.

But, while he is considering doing more singing -- perhaps professionally -- Jordan says football will always be his first love.

It ain't exactly David vs. Goliath, but #11 seed Michigan is an underdog in their Sweet 16 matchup with Villanova ... but Chris Webber says that doesn't mean a thing 'cause the Wolverines are winning, and it really won't be that competitive.

TMZ Sports talked to the University of Michigan legend the night before Michigan squares off with Jay Wright's Nova squad, and asked Webber about the matchup.

"Villanova is a great team, great coach, but we have a lot of heart. I tell you what, in the bracket, I picked Houston to win just filling out things before the tournament started but after the way we've been playing since game one, I got us going all the way."

If Michigan advances, they'd play the winner of the Arizona (#1 seed) and Houston (#5 seed) game on Saturday with a trip to the Final 4 on the line.

Chris even told us how many points Michigan is going to win by.

"We're gonna win by 7. That's my prediction."

The teams followed a different path to the Sweet 16. Nova blew out #15 seed Delaware by 20 points in the first round of the tourney. They then handled #7 seed Ohio State in round two.

Michigan had a more challenging run to the Sweet 16. They beat #6 seed Colorado State by 12 in the first round, and then upset #3 seed Tennessee in the second round.

UM isn't your traditional #11 seed. They have a lot of talent and started the season ranked in the top 5 in the national polls. However, the season didn't go according to plan, and Juwan Howard's squad squeaked in as a low seed.

There's more. Chris also told us about his new partnership with Coinllectibles ... where he'll serve as president, tasked with introducing innovative sports and entertainment NFTs.

In fact, C-Webb and the company are releasing an NFT around his incredible career at Michigan on March 28.

Of course, Webber starred at Michigan between 1991 and 1993 as a member of the famed Fab Five. Chris was so good coming out of Ann Arbor that he was the 1st overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft.

After a long standoff with NYC vaccine mandates, Kyrie Irving will be allowed to play in home games once again ... as a new exemption will allow in-town athletes and performers to work indoors and on the court again.

Irving will be eligible to make his home debut at Barclays Center on Sunday when his Nets take on the Hornets, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The new exemption -- which was just reported Wednesday -- will be effective immediately beginning Thursday.

Irving was sidelined for a majority of the season over his refusal to get jabbed ... but he's since been allowed to play in road games for the Nets.

The mayor previously expressed his desire to see Irving on the court, but said he would not change the rules just to accommodate Kyrie.

Irving has missed a substantial amount of games this season due to the current mandate that  required players to be vaxxed ... which, of course, he is not.

The NBA champ had been criticized from several high profile celebrities like Howard Stern and Chris Rock ... but he refused to cave in and get the shot.

NBA commish Adam Silver has called for Irving to get vaccinated ... but recently admitted he felt the current mandates in NYC made no sense.

The Nets were recently fined $50,000 by the NBA for breaking the NBA's COVID-19 protocol ... after Kyrie was spotted in the Barclays Center locker room after a game.

At the time, Irving was allowed to watch games in the arena, but NOT be in a workplace environment -- AKA, he couldn't be in the locker room. Silly, we know.

The change comes ahead of MLB Opening Day ... which means Yankees and Mets players are also breathing a sigh of relief.

No official announcement yet ... but it's just a matter of time.

BTW -- it's Irving's birthday on Wednesday ... so it's a pretty great gift.